Nissan Note is one of the most recognizable compact vans on the market, combining the practicality of a hatchback and the spacious interior of a minivan. Since 2004, the model has gone through two generations (E11 And E12), each of which had unique design solutions. In this article we have collected real photos of Nissan Note all years of production - from the first copies to the latest restyled versions of 2023.
You will learn how different Note different generations in terms of exterior, what body colors were officially available, and where to find high-quality photographs for comparison. We will pay special attention interior - from budget trim levels to top-end versions with leather interior. Let’s also figure out what unique Note modifications existed only for the Japanese market and were never delivered to Russia.
Photo of Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012): first generation in detail
Debuted in 2004 Nissan Note E11 became revolutionary for the compact van class. Its key feature is "asymmetrical" rear design with a high roofline and unusually shaped rear lights. The photo below shows how it looked in comparison with competitors:
- 🔹 Front: large radiator grille with chrome trim (in top versions), headlights with a “smile” at the bottom.
- 🔹 Side profile: short overhang at the front, long at the rear, high pillars for improved visibility.
- 🔹 Rear: vertical lights, massive bumper with plastic protection (in 4WD versions).
Officially Note E11 was offered in 12 body colors, but silver was more common on the Russian market (KH3), black (KH9) and metallic blue (BL5). Below is a table with a complete list of original colors:
| Color code | Title | Type | Example in the photo |
|---|---|---|---|
B54 |
Brilliant Silver | Metallic | ✅ Yes |
KH3 |
Titanium Grey | Metallic | ✅ Yes |
BL5 |
Blue Onyx | Metallic | ❌ No |
R92 |
Sunset Orange | Mother of pearl | ✅ Yes |
Fun fact: a limited edition was sold in Japan Note "Autech" with two-tone roof and mirrors. These cars are easy to recognize by black roof against a light body — there are less than 500 such copies left around the world.
⚠️ Attention: Repainted ones are often found on the secondary market. Note E11 in non-original colors (for example, bright green or purple). Check the color code on the plate under the hood - it should match VIN- number.
- Silver metallic
- Black gloss
- Blue mother of pearl
- Sunset Orange
- Other
Interior of Nissan Note E11: photos of the interior in different trim levels
First generation salon Note criticized for cheap plastics, but praised for ergonomics. Basic equipment (Visia) offered fabric upholstery in gray or beige, while the top Acenta — leather inserts and chrome handles. The photo below shows the key differences:
- 🚗 Dashboard: analog clock in the center (Japanese versions only), white backlit scales.
- 🎛️ Center console: climate control with mechanical controls, audio system with CD changer (optional).
- 🪑 Seats: front with height adjustment, rear sofa with function
"Magic Seat"(folding into a flat floor).
One of the most controversial decisions - asymmetrical steering wheel (on the right it was “cut off” for better visibility of the instruments). Owners complained that this interfered with parking. On restyled versions (2008+), the steering wheel has become symmetrical.
An interesting nuance: in the Japanese versions, an additional display for rear passengers (optional "Rear Seat Entertainment"). Such cars are now a rarity; photographs of them can only be found at Japanese auctions.
Where to look for high-quality photos of the Note E11 interior?
Nissan Note E12 (2012–2023): photos of the second generation and its restyling
Second generation Nissan Note E12 debuted in 2012 and received a completely new design in style "V-motion" - Nissan's signature design concept of those years. Main changes in the photo:
- 🔥 Front: V-shaped radiator grille, narrow headlights with LED running lights (in versions Tekna).
- 🌀 Side line: smoother curves, hidden rear door handles (on some trims).
- 🔙 Rear: LED lights, bumper with diffuser (in sports version Nismo).
Restyling took place in 2016, after which Note E12 received updated optics, a different bumper and a new multimedia system with a touch screen. The photo below shows a comparison before and after restyling:
| Detail | Before restyling (2012–2016) | After restyling (2016–2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Halogen, no LED | LED running lights, modified shape |
| Radiator grille | 2 cross bars | 3D effect, chrome trim |
| Tail lights | Classic lamps | LED herringbone |
An important difference from E11: in E12 a version with a hybrid installation appeared (e-Power), which combined a gasoline engine and an electric motor. These cars are easy to recognize by no exhaust pipe (it is hidden under the bumper) and inscriptions "e-Power" on the rear doors.
⚠️ Attention: Only petrol versions were officially sold on the Russian market Note E12 (1.2 and 1.5 l). Hybrid and diesel modifications (1.5 dCi) are extremely rare and require testing for compatibility with fuel.
Narrow radiator grille with 3D effect|LED running lights in the headlights|LED tail lights|New wheel design (5-spoke)|"e-Power" lettering (for hybrids)-->
Rare and unique versions of Nissan Note: photos of rare modifications
Over 19 years of production Nissan Note was produced in several exclusive versions, which are almost never found outside of Japan. Here are the most interesting of them:
- 🏁 Note Nismo (2013–2016): sports version with body kit, red inserts on the bumpers, 16-inch wheels and stiffer suspension. Only 2000 copies were produced.
- 🌿 Note e-Power Nismo S (2018): hybrid with 136 hp, aerodynamic body kit and Recaro seats. The price of a new one reached $30,000.
- 🎨 Note "Autech Custom Style": version from the Nissan tuning studio with two-tone paint, chrome elements and exclusive wheels.
Another rarity - Note "Rider", crossover version with increased ground clearance (180 mm), plastic body kit and all-wheel drive. These cars were only sold in Japan and Thailand. You can recognize them in the photo by:
- Black plastic lining on the wheel arches;
- Silver inserts on the bumpers;
- Wide tires (205/60 R16).
If you get caught Note with non-standard headlights or bumpers, check VIN-number on Japanese bases. This might be one of the limited editions!
To find photos of rare versions of the Nissan Note, use Japanese search terms on Google Images. For example: "ニッサン ノート ニスモ フロント" (Nissan Note Nismo front) or "ノート オーテック カスタムスタイル" (Note Autech Custom Style).
Where to download or find high-quality photos of Nissan Note?
If you need high resolution photos to sell a car, repair or compare trim levels, here are trusted sources:
- Official Nissan catalogs:
- 📖 Website Nissan Global (section "Heritage") - archival photos of all generations.
- 📖 Nissan Russia — gallery for the latest models (until 2023).
- Japanese auctions:
- Owner communities:
- 👥 Group "Nissan Note Club" on VKontakte - real photos of users.
- 👥 Forum Nissan-Club.ru — topics with detailed photo reports.
For commercial use (for example, for a car dealership website) it is better to buy stock photos from:
- 📷 Shutterstock (search by tag
"Nissan Note 2020"); - 📷 iStock (there is a photo with a transparent background).
⚠️ Attention: Photos from Japanese auctions often have watermarks. To remove them, use services like Remove.bg, but remember about image rights!
The most detailed photos of the Nissan Note can be found in Japanese auction listings - they post pictures of every corner of the car, including the engine and suspension.
How to photograph your Nissan Note for sale: tips and angles
If you are selling Nissan Note and want to take high-quality photos, follow these rules:
- Lighting:
- ☀️ Shoot in cloudy weather or in the shade - this way there will be no glare on the body.
- 💡 Use two light sources (for example, lights from different sides) to shoot the interior.
- Angles (required for announcement):
- 📐 Front view (the car is strictly frontal view, the license plate is visible).
- 🔄 Side profile (from front to rear bumper).
- 🔙 Rear (with the trunk open if possible).
- 🚗 Salon: dashboard, front and rear seats, trunk.
- 🔧 Engine (clean, no oil stains).
- Details:
- 🔍 Wheels (rims and tires) - remove from the side and front.
- 🔍 Headlights and taillights - check that there are no cracks.
- 🔍 Interior ceiling (to check for leaks).
Use wide angle lens (or “Panorama” mode on a smartphone) for shooting the interior. Example of a good shot:
"Removed from the level of the rear seat, you can see the front panel, steering wheel and part of the trunk - this is how the buyer understands the space."*
Suitable for photo processing:
- 📱 Snapseed (free, for smartphone) - color and sharpness correction.
- 💻 Lightroom (paid) - professional retouching.
Before filming, wash the car and treat the body antistatic - this way dust and stains will not be visible in the photo. To shine the plastic in the interior, use a spray "Armour All" (but don't overdo it!).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note photos
Where can I find a photo of a Nissan Note in original body colors?
Official colors of all generations can be viewed in Nissan catalogs on the website Nissan Global (section "Archive"). For Note E11 the Japanese site is also useful Nissan Japan — there are photos of all the original shades with codes.
How to distinguish Note E11 from E12 from a photo?
Main differences:
- E11: asymmetrical rear end, round headlights, steering wheel with a “cut off” right side.
- E12: V-shaped grille, LED optics (after restyling), hidden rear door handles.
In the photo from the front E12 looks more aggressive due to narrow headlights and a large air intake.
Are there any photos of a Nissan Note with a diesel engine?
Yes, but such cars were not officially delivered to Russia. Sold in Europe Note 1.5 dCi (90 hp), its photo can be found on British and German sites like AutoTrader. Search by request "Nissan Note 1.5 dCi".
Can I use photos from Japanese auctions to sell my car?
Technically yes, but there are risks:
- 🚫 Copyright claims are possible (some auctions prohibit the use of photos).
- 🔍 Buyers may notice that there is a different car in the photo (by VIN or interior details).
It's better to take your own pictures or buy stock photos on Shutterstock.
What photos are needed to apply for compulsory motor liability insurance for a Nissan Note?
The MTPL policy requires:
- 📸 Front view (License plate must be clearly visible).
- 📸 Rear view (with number and state sign).
- 📸 VIN number (plate under the hood or on the door pillar).
Photos must be in color, unedited and taken in daylight.